Pride of Paddington, Paddington, W2

This is a hotel as well as a pub, with rooms advertised from £19(!). It opens at 8.00 AM Monday to Saturday (10.00 AM on Sunday), with food pretty much served all day. When I was in they had three Caledonian ales on – Deuchars IPA, Golden XPA, and a Caledonian brewed house ale rather predictably named Pride of Paddington (£2.10 a half). The Golden XPA and Pride of Paddington were served using a sparkler for some reason. A pub grub menu is available of course – as an example the shepherd’s pie is £9, and the beef and ale pie is £10. The beer and food prices are not cheap, and no doubt reflect the proximity to Paddington Station. This is a typical station pub, catering for a transient clientele. But it’s carpeted and furnished with normal tables and chairs, and with the main decorative feature being the multitude of national flags covering the ceiling. Faux chalkboards cover the space between the top of the bar gantry and the ceiling. If you like station pubs then you will like this one. It’s typical of the breed and nothing like a traditional pub, but nonetheless provides a worthwhile service for rail travelers.

A superb corner location next to Paddington Station, attractive exterior, outside seating and a spacious bar should make the Pride a great pub, but I'm afraid the beer quality and staff attitude ruin this establishment. The London Pride was past its best, and the sarcasm (verging on rudeness) I received from the barman put me off trying the Directors. I can't imagine wanting to come back in a hurry.